Reel for metallic tapes



Dec. 13, 1932. C. Q HORMEL 1,890,945

REEL FOR METALLIC TAPES Filed July 13, 1931 3mm/tofs l (kW/P455 C. /Vo/P/VEA E; 4

Patented Dec. 13,

UNITED STATES` CHARLES C. HORMEL, OF DENVER, COLORADO REEL Fon METALLIC TAPES Application Med .Tuly 13, 1931. Serial No. 550,491

This invention relates to a reel and carrier for steel tapes; It is more particularly designed for use by electricians, wiremen and the like, for handling the steel wire com- 5 monly known in the trade as a fishing tape. In explanation, it might be noted that a fishing tape is a longlwire used for reaching through electrical conduits and pulling the electric conductors therethrough. It is usually rectangular in cross section and formed of relatively stiff spring steel. Owingv to its stiffness and resiliency, the handling of a fishing tape is a diflicult matter since it readily springs out of a coilk and when handled adjacent to switchboards and other current carrying devices, electrocution and damage to equipment is always an imminent possibility.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a reel in which all or any part of a coil of steel tape will be securely held in position at all times and yet which will allow the tape to be readily and rapidly unreeled.

Another object of the invention is to so construct the reel that itwill frictionally engage the tape as it is unreeled so as to maintain a constant tension thereon to prevent kinking.

A further object of the invention is to so construct the reel that it can be employed as a pulling device or hand hold for the'electrician when pulling `*wires through electrical conduits.

A still further object of the invention is to 35 so construct the reel that the final end of the tape will be effectively and automatically locked in place and entirely enclosed by the reel and yet. in which, ready access may be obtained to this final end.

Other objects and advantages reside in the detail construction of the invention, which is designed for simplicity, economy, and efficiency. These will become more apparent from the following description. y

In the following detailed description of the invention reference is had to the accompanying drawing which forms a part hereof. Like numerals refer to like parts in all views ofthe drawing and throughout the description.

In the drawing:

1 lillustrates the invention in use.

Fig. 2 1s a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the improved reel.

Fig. 3 is a cross section through the rim of the reel drawn to a substantial full size scale.

rFlg. 4 illustrates the inner extremity of a typical tape.

In the drawing a typical steel fishing tape is illustrated at 10.

The invention comprises an annular hollow channel member 11 arranged to receive the. coil of steel tape 10 in its hollow interior. The outer edges of each side 0f the channel member are turned ,inwardlyv as shown at 12 to form inclined shoulders.l The` turned back portions 12 co-act to form an ,outwardly pointed V-shaped guide extending to a peripheral tape slot 13. The nnel member 11 may be formed of any desi fmaterial. It is preferred, however, to form itof sheet steel having a natural spring-like re,-` siliency. The width of the tape slot113 is normally narrower than the width of the tape 10 so that as the tape is withdrawn the rounded sides of the slot 13 will snugly and firmly frictionally engage the sides of the tape.

A suitable attachment clip 14 is secured at some point in the bottom of the channel member 11. In use, a hook is formed on the inner extremity of the tape 10 as shown in Fig. 4. The two sides of the slot 13 are forced apart by the operators fingers and the hooked extremity of the tape is passed through and hooked about the attachment clip 14. The S5 tape is now maintained taut and the member 11 is rotated as indicated by the arrow A, Fig. 1. This causes the tape to slide through the slot 13 forcing the two sides of the channel member apart as it moves about the reel. 9

When the final extremity of the tape 10 is reached it is pushed into the slot 13 with the fingers and the entire tape will then be securely enclosed by the channel member l1.

To release the tape the operator notes the 95, position of the final extremity of the tape. He then forces his thumb into the slot 13 immediately over this extremity. This allows the natural resiliency of the tape to snap the tape outwardly through the slot. It will be 199 noted that the inwardly turned sides 12 act as guide surfaces to always guide the extremity of the ta e toward the slot 13. The

entire tape can t en be unreeled by simply pulling thereonand allowing the channel member 11 to slide through the hands. If Athe tape is being used for a pulling job, the operator grasps the channel member 11 as shown in Fig. 1, so as to prevent it from rotating and then places his weight thereon so as yto put the desired tension into the ta 10.

he channel member 11 can, if practical, be formed of a single piece of sheet metal, spun, stam d, or otherwise formed into the form of Figs. 1 and 2. It has been found, however, that it can be very eciently manufactured in two halves which are readily adaptable to spinninar or pressing operations. The two halves can then be joined by means of a suitable'la joint such as indicated at 15, Fig. 3, and either soldered, brassed, welded or rivetedtogether.

While the invention has been described as particularly ada table for use by electricians` 1n handling stee fishing tapes, it is desired to be understood that it is, of course, not limited to this use but will be found valuable wherever it is desired to reel and hold a relatively stil wire-like article such as surveyors tapes and the like. All such uses are contemplated as within the scope of the invention.

While a specific form of the improvement has been described and illustrated herein, it is desired to be understood that the same may be varied, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what l Y, is claimed and desired secured by Letters Patent is 1. A reel for metallic tapes comprising: an annular, hollow, outwardly-opening channel member, the peripheral edges of said channel member being turned toward each other at the outer circumference of said member,

thereof so as to form an annular V-shaped guide to direct said tape from within said member toward said slot.

In testimony whereof, I aix my signature.

` CHARLES C. HORMEL.

thence turned inwardly toward the axis of said member so as to form two rounded edges, said edges being an open slot entlrely around the outer circumference of said member opening to the interior thereof.

2. A reel for metallic tapes comprising: an annular, hollow,

spaced apart so as to leave outwardly-opening channel member, the peripheral edges of said channel member being turned toward each other at the outer circumference of said member, thence turned inward toward the axis of said member so as to form two rounded edges, said edges being spaced apart so as to lea-ve an open slot entirely around the outer circumference of said member opening to the interior thereof, said edges being extended into said hollow member and flared outwardly within said member towardthe outer walls 

